First things first: We can talk about players and prospects and mix and match projections for the rotation. Yet one of the key ingredients for the success of the Astros’ pitching staff in 2013-14 is Doug Brocail. Granted, I expected Brocail would be part of the house-cleaning along with dozens of other staff and employees. But he was not.

It’s clear that GM Jeff Luhnow and even new manager Bo Porter know something we may not. Brocail has made a connection with the pitching staff. This is strictly a faith statement since I have no inside perspective, but Brocail is part of Luhnow’s regime, one of only a very few holdovers from the last ownership.

If you trusted Luhnow when he fired Brad Mills, traded Carlos Lee and Wandy Rodriguez, then restructured the scouting department, you have to trust him when he hung onto Brocail.

Now, to the rotation, which Luhnow continued to restructure on Monday with the acquisition of a potential game-changer in the spring training battle.

While the outfield seems bereft of any serious depth or real long-term possibilities, Luhnow has accumulated more depth for the rotation battle than any other spot we’ve discussed thus far. Frankly, the rotation has been at the heart of Luhnow’s remake of the Astros’ roster. At least 10 players enter spring training with a legitimate chance to leave Kissimmee in the Astros’ rotation. Of those 10, however, only two are left-handers and they (Erik Bedard and Dallas Keuchel) may face the longest of shots to make the team.

Assume that Norris is a lock for the rotation (if he isn’t traded before opening day). Assume that another spot is Harrell’s to lose after his strong 2012. That leaves eight players pitching for three spots, perhaps the best battle Houston has seen in nearly a decade. And, folks, we aren’t talking about over-the-hill pitchers hoping to find one last chance at a million dollar salary (read: Hampton, Figueroa, Ortiz, Williams et al).

Other than re-treads Humber and Bedard, the others are 27 or younger and some are still considered top prospects. To that end, if you believe some of these players offer a promising rotation for the Astros, consider that the Oklahoma City rotation could be a killer group. Looking for a highlight heading into spring training? Keep an eye on the skirmish for the 2013 rotation.

Best-case scenario: Norris steps up as the veteran leader of the group. Harrell pitches to 2012 numbers. Peacock and White become the top of rotation pitchers many predict. Fill in the #5 spot with anyone else on the list. At the very least, this group could bridge the gap reasonably to the Cosart-McCullers era.

Worst-case scenario: Frankly, it’s hard to see all 10 of these pitchers falling flat on their faces. There is tremendous upside here, but injuries, trades and under-performance could kill any optimism.

Chip’s prediction: Barring a trade or major injury, the rotation will include Norris, Harrell, White, Peacock and Bedard. Bedard would be the only left-hander in the rotation, but probably won’t last beyond May or June. If Norris is traded or Bedard fails in spring training, it’s easy to see Luhnow adding in either Lyles or Ely.